On June 21 a Save Our Solano Parks Day of Action gathering — a march (Bike Ride) and rally — will be held in Benicia to oppose the proposed closure of the Benicia State Recreation Area (SRA) and the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park (SHP).

The Day of Action is being conducted in conjunction with similar actions in State Parks all across California. The California State Parks Foundation, the Benicia State Parks Association and the California Native Plant Society Willis Linn Jepson Chapter (Solano) are leading the efforts in Benicia.

Benicia State Park

With community support we can provide solutions to keeping our local parks open, as long as the Governor and State Legislators enable the mechanisms for us to do so. Learn more at the rally.

The plan and schedule for the June 21 Rally is:

** 9:30 to 10:30 .am. — Gather in the picnic area near the Columbus Parkway & Rose Drive entrance to the Benicia State Recreation Area. Pick up literature and signs (we will have pre-made signs or you can make your own with supplies we have available). Wear “green” to show your support for parks in our community.

** 10:30 a.m. begin a March & Bike Ride from the gathering in the Benicia SRA. March and Ride down the pathway in the park, then along West K Street, then down First Street to the Benicia Capitol SHP, arriving by Noon.

** Noon to 1:00 p.m. — rally on the steps of the Benicia Capitol. For those not able to gather or march, please still join us for the Rally. Gene Doherty will be master of ceremonies, speakers already confirmed include Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson and Solano Supervisor Linda Seifert. Everyone is welcome to speak at the Rally — contact Gene at datagxd@comcast.net. There will also be literature available regarding the issues and solutions we are trying to implement to keep our Parks open.

We are also encouraging the use of the Parks specifically on June 21 — which is Fathers Day. Fishing along the Carquinez Straits, family picnics/cookouts, and a family hike or bike ride in the Benicia State Recreation Area are some of options for the afternoon and early evening. The Benicia Capitol and the Fisher Hanlon House will be open following the Rally for tours.

** CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS to help with making signs and monitoring the March & Bike Ride.

** Contact Gene Doherty at 415-609-5653 or datagxd@comcast.net to sign up to volunteer during the June 21 events.

Support your local state parks if you want to keep them. Thanks for caring! /Gary